Description
The OT Link is excited to bring you a Video presentation recorded in 2025 and reaccredited for 2026, presented by psychiatrist, Dr Rita Thom and Gillian Coetsee, an occupational therapist:
Dr Rita Thom is a general psychiatrist with diverse interests and work experience in both the public and private sectors. She has experience in general adult psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, neuropsychiatry, eating disorders as well as assessment and rehabilitation of disability related to psychiatric disorders. She has been involved in teaching and training health care practitioners at all levels within the health system on a continuous basis throughout her career. Dr Thom has developed and implemented training materials for clinicians to improve mental health care for people living with HIV (children, adolescents and adults). She also has an interest and involvement in public mental health and has played an active role in various portfolios in the South African Society of Psychiatrists throughout her career. She has experience in the field of psychiatric disability and its impact in the workplace. She believes that there is a critical need for strong advocacy in accessing resources for people with mental disorders.
Gillian Coetsee is an experienced occupational therapist and academic. She holds a Postgrad Diploma in Interdisciplinary Pain Management (UCT), Advanced Diplomas in neurosciences, hands and vocational rehabilitation. She is Workwell certified. Gillian is passionate about learning and sharing knowledge and has been involved in lecturing and external examining for undergrad and post-grad courses and presented many workshops and lectures. Over the years she has been involved in OTASA, INSTOPP, SASHT (past president), IFSHT, OTPMG and PainSA. She brings a wealth of clinical experience and the latest evidence to support best practice in assessing and treating clients with pain. She currently works in a private practice which treats adult clients with neurological conditions, upper limb trauma and hand injuries.
As the mother of a 13 year old who has been recently diagnosed with PNES, the information here has provided me with valuable handling strategies, not only as an OT, but as a parent. It also provided information that I attend to use when follow up with her healthcare team.